Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico – A wide variety of LGBT-friendly accommodations, activities, beaches and nightlife, along with a welcoming community, are just some of the reasons that Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit are amongst the most popular LGBT destinations on Mexico’s Pacific Coast.
Accommodations
In Puerto Vallarta, there are a wide variety of LGBT-friendly accommodation options, ranging from resorts, hotels, lodges, bed and breakfasts and guest houses. Popular choices are Villa Mercedes Hotel and Almar Resort on Los Muertos Beach and the luxury Casa Cupula Boutique Hotel in Amapas.
In Riviera Nayarit, there are a number of LGBT friendly resorts, which all offer honeymoon packages for same-sex couples. The five-star St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, surrounded by clear blue waters and white sand beaches, won the 2018 Gay Travel Award for the best LGBTQ2S+ friendly beach resort in the world. The Refugio del Mar Boutique Hotel, in the golden zone of Bucerías, is another popular lodging option in the Riviera Nayarit.
Activities
To combine seeing Puerto Vallarta’s most stunning scenery with a wild party don’t miss the Wet & Wild Gay Cruise. For many other great LGBT-friendly boat tours, including whale watching (in season), check out Jet’s Private Boat Tours.
In Riviera Nayarit, a day trip to Las Marietas Islands National Park, a UNESCO bioreserve and one of the most bio-diverse sanctuaries in Mexico, is a must! You can take a tailor-made tour around the islands with tour operators such as Punta Mita Expeditions.
Another great place to visit is the hippy-chic town of Sayulita. As well as having a strong LGBT scene Sayulita is full of amazing surfing spots, restaurants and bars where you can spend a great day soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
Beaches
Puerto Vallarta’s most popular beach, Playa de Los Muertos, is a lively spot full of restaurants and bars where you can party from sunset to sunrise. The Blue Chairs area, the original gay-beach resort and beach club, is the iconic LGBT hotspot of Los Muertos Beach. For top cocktails, food and a beautiful stretch of sand, head to Mantamar Beach and dine in style at the Mantamar Beach Club Bar & Grill.
Lying between the Sierra Madre Mountains, tropical jungle and the Pacific Ocean, San Pancho’s beach in Riviera Nayarit has a stunning backdrop and is ideal for some peaceful downtime. To enjoy the essence of a true Mexican town, head to Lo de Marcos beach, surrounded by green hills and striking rocks. And, the water is so calm, it’s perfect for fishing and water sports!
Nightlife
On Lázaro Cárdenas in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica, an area that’s affectionately called PV’s “gayborhood,” you’ll find it all: bars, clubs, strip clubs, shops and saunas. Flamingo, Code, Industry and CC Slaughter & Paco’s are the most popular spots. You can also book the Gay Vallarta Bar Hopping Tour, which offers VIP access to the hottest martini lounges, all-male revues, dance clubs, drag shows and special events in La Zona Romantica.
In Riviera Nayarit, enjoy a variety of entertainment, from the La Baba del Diablo “mezcaleria” in San Pancho to the trendy Living Room at the W Punta de Mita Resort with live DJs playing on weekends.